Title

Author

Defense Date

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Preventive Medicine & Community Health

First Advisor

Dr. Elizabeth Turf

Abstract

Study Objectives: To examine demographic characteristics and contraceptive habits of young men.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted utilizing data analyzed from three waves of the National Survey of the Adolescent Male (NSAM) administered in 1988, 1991, and 1995. The first wave consisted of 1,880, never-married, noninstitutionalized 15-19 year old men living in the United States. The second wave consisted of 1,676 re-interviewed respondents who were 17-22 years old. The third wave consisted of 1,377 re-interviewed respondents who were 22-27 years old. Descriptive statistics were used to compare personal and demographic characteristics across each year group. Odds ratios, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to determine demographic risk factors; p-values, and chi-square tests were included in the demographic analysis.Results:The majority of the young men in waves 2 and 3 believed the male equally responsible if their partner became pregnant (92% vs. 96%). These young men also believed the male should ask their female partner about contraception before being intimate (71%, waves 2 and 3). Only 3% (wave 2), to 4% (wave 3), believed they would feel more like a man if his partner became pregnant. Almost 50% of males, ages 17-22 (wave 1), and 21-27 (wave 2), believed there was "a little chance" to a "50-50 chance" that they would feel embarrassed to put on a condom. The majority of young men in wave 2 (61%), and approximately half (48%) of young men in wave 3 felt there was "a little chance" to a "50-50 chance" that condom use reduced their sexual pleasure. Only 12% of waves 2 and 3 respondents, felt there was "no chance" a female would become pregnant, if a condom was used during intercourse. Indicating a lack of knowledge regarding the overall benefits of condom use. In addition, less than 50% of waves 2 and 3 felt they had a "pretty good chance" to avoid a STD/AIDS if a condom was used. Conclusions: Results indicated that although the cohort was more cognizant of reproductive responsibility as they matured, steps are still needed to address behavioral changes.